📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director of Partner Marketing
🔹 Company: Discord
🔹 Location: San Francisco, CA
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: April 30, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (San Francisco Bay Area only)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Establishing and leading Discord's Partner Marketing function
- Developing and executing comprehensive go-to-market strategies for joint marketing initiatives
- Overseeing co-marketing campaigns and ensuring alignment with overall marketing objectives
- Building and nurturing strong relationships with key partners at all levels
- Tracking performance metrics and providing data-driven insights to refine partnership strategies
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker who can act as both player and coach, while building a function from the ground up, to translate partnership opportunities into measurable business results.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Establish Discord's Partner Marketing function from the ground up, including defining processes, frameworks, and best practices for effective partner marketing collaboration.
✅ Identify, evaluate, and secure high-impact marketing partnerships with gaming platforms, publishers, technology providers, and complementary brands to expand reach and enhance brand positioning.
✅ Develop and lead the execution of comprehensive GTM plans for partnership initiatives, ensuring alignment with overall marketing objectives and brand strategy.
✅ Oversee the creation and implementation of joint marketing campaigns with partners, coordinating across internal teams and external stakeholders to maximize impact and efficiency.
✅ Build and nurture strong relationships with key partners at all levels, serving as the primary liaison between our company and partner marketing teams to ensure seamless collaboration.
✅ Define KPIs, track performance metrics, and provide data-driven insights to continuously refine partnership strategies and demonstrate clear business impact.
✅ Work closely with internal teams including Product Marketing, Creative, PR, Community, and Sales to ensure cohesive messaging and streamlined execution of partner initiatives.
✅ Stay informed about gaming industry trends, competitive activities, and partner ecosystem developments to identify emerging opportunities and potential challenges.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and strong communication skills to succeed in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 8+ years of marketing experience with at least 5 years in partnership marketing, preferably within the gaming or entertainment industry
Required Skills:
- Proven experience taking a partner marketing program or function from zero to one… and beyond
- Strategic mindset combined with an action-oriented approach to problem-solving and execution
- Deep understanding of the gaming ecosystem and market dynamics across PC, console, and mobile platforms
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with proven ability to build relationships with executive-level stakeholders
- Experience managing marketing budgets and negotiating co-marketing agreements with partners
- Proven leadership abilities with experience managing and developing a high-performing team
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with gaming platforms, publishers, or complementary brands
- Fluency in multiple languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in partnership marketing within the gaming industry and a proven track record of driving measurable business results through strategic partnerships are highly desired for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $300,000 to $337,500 USD per year (base salary only, does not include equity or benefits)
Benefits:
Working Hours: Full-time position, with standard office hours (Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM PST)
ASSUMPTION: The provided salary range is determined by role and level, and individual pay is determined by additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only and do not include equity or benefits.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Software Development, specifically focused on gaming and communication platforms
Company Size: 501-1,000 employees (as of April 2025)
Founded: 2012 (as Discord Inc.)
Company Description:
- Discord is a popular communication platform used by over 200 million people every month, with a strong focus on the gaming community
- The platform enables users to talk and hang out before, during, and after playing games, as well as listen to music together and engage in various shared interests
- Discord plays a uniquely important role in the future of gaming, connecting players and fostering communities around shared passions
Company Specialties:
- Video Games
- Text Chat
- VOIP
Company Website: discord.com
ASSUMPTION: Discord's focus on gaming and community building makes it an attractive employer for candidates passionate about gaming and interested in shaping the future of communication within the industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Executive/Managerial
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and may have supervisory responsibilities over a team of partnership marketing specialists
Work Arrangement: On-site, with a requirement for candidates located in the San Francisco Bay Area
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential career progression into senior leadership roles within the marketing department or other areas of the organization
- Opportunities to expand the Partner Marketing function and build a high-performing team
- Chance to work on high-impact strategic initiatives that drive business growth and enhance Discord's brand positioning
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on Discord's marketing strategy and expand their leadership skills.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation
Office Location(s): 444 De Haro St, San Francisco, CA 94107, US
Geographic Context:
- The San Francisco Bay Area is known for its vibrant tech industry, diverse culture, and high cost of living
- The area offers numerous opportunities for networking and professional growth within the gaming and tech sectors
- San Francisco is home to many gaming companies and events, providing ample opportunities for industry engagement
Work Schedule: Standard office hours (Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM PST), with flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours as needed
ASSUMPTION: The San Francisco Bay Area offers a dynamic and exciting work environment for candidates interested in the gaming and tech industries, with ample opportunities for professional growth and networking.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications
- In-depth behavioral and situational interviews to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership skills, and partnership marketing experience
- Final interview with the CMO or another senior leader to discuss the role's fit within the organization's broader marketing strategy
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Leadership abilities and team management experience
- Communication and presentation skills, with a focus on building relationships with executive-level stakeholders
- Industry knowledge and understanding of the gaming ecosystem
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your partnership marketing experience, strategic thinking, and leadership skills
- Prepare examples of successful partnership initiatives you've led or contributed to, demonstrating your ability to drive measurable business results
- Research Discord's platform, user base, and competition to showcase your understanding of the gaming industry and the company's unique role within it
ATS Keywords: Partner Marketing, Strategic Partnerships, Gaming Industry, Marketing Strategy, Co-Marketing, Joint Initiatives, Relationship Management, Analytics, Cross-Functional Collaboration
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should focus on demonstrating their strategic thinking, leadership skills, and partnership marketing experience to successfully navigate the interview process and secure this role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot CRM)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Google Data Studio)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard marketing, CRM, and project management tools is expected for this role, as well as the ability to learn and adapt to new technologies as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Users First
- Freedom
- Inclusion
- Stability
- Candor
Work Style:
- Collaborative and cross-functional, with a focus on open communication and teamwork
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong emphasis on innovation and continuous improvement
- Data-driven and results-oriented, with a focus on measurable business impact
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you align with Discord's company values, particularly "Users First" and "Inclusion"?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with a strong focus on data-driven decision-making?
- Do you have a proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with key partners at all levels?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong alignment with Discord's company values and a proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment will be well-suited to this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Establishing a new Partner Marketing function from scratch may require significant time and resources to define processes, frameworks, and best practices
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with key partners may require frequent travel and attendance at industry events
- The gaming industry is highly competitive and dynamic, with constant changes in market trends and player preferences
- The role may require occasional work outside of standard office hours to accommodate partner time zones or project deadlines
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be able to navigate these challenges effectively, leveraging their strategic thinking, leadership skills, and partnership marketing experience to drive business growth and enhance Discord's brand positioning.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional marketing roles, this position focuses exclusively on partnership marketing, requiring a unique blend of strategic thinking, relationship management, and cross-functional collaboration skills
- While the gaming industry is highly competitive, Discord's strong user base and brand recognition provide a significant advantage in securing high-impact marketing partnerships
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior leadership positions within the marketing department or other areas of the organization, with opportunities to expand the Partner Marketing function and build a high-performing team
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider the unique focus of this role and the opportunities it presents for driving business growth and enhancing Discord's brand positioning within the gaming industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive go-to-market strategy for a joint marketing initiative with a major gaming platform, resulting in a significant increase in user acquisition and engagement
- Negotiating a co-marketing agreement with a complementary brand, leading to a successful cross-promotional campaign that drove brand awareness and revenue growth for both parties
- Analyzing partnership performance data to identify trends, optimize marketing strategies, and maximize ROI for both Discord and its partners
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be able to provide concrete examples of their partnership marketing experience, demonstrating their ability to drive measurable business results through strategic partnerships.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into Discord's overall marketing strategy, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the Partner Marketing function, and how can this role address them?
- How does Discord support the professional growth and development of its employees, particularly in managerial or leadership roles?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will success be measured?
- How does Discord foster a culture of inclusion and diversity, particularly within its marketing teams?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should focus on understanding the role's strategic fit within Discord's marketing organization, the key challenges facing the Partner Marketing function, and the opportunities for professional growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your partnership marketing experience, strategic thinking, and leadership skills
- Prepare examples of successful partnership initiatives you've led or contributed to, demonstrating your ability to drive measurable business results
- Research Discord's platform, user base, and competition to showcase your understanding of the gaming industry and the company's unique role within it
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and reiterate your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
